Water injector and method



INVENTOR Caf/)m00 Feb- 26, 1952 w. w. cUsHMAN WATER INJECTOR AND METHOD Zwkmvrm ZO-FUDDZ. O...

Filed Feb. 17, 1948 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 Febl'26, 1952 w. w. cUsHMAN WATER INJEcToR AND METHOD Filed Feb. 17, 1948 Feb. 26, 1952 W, W, CUSHMAN 2,586,789

WATER INJECTOR AND METHOD Filed Feb. 17, 1948 4 Sheets-Shea?l 5 INVENTOR.

M/g? ZV, Cal/mem /TTOR/VEV Feb. 26, 1952 W W, CUSHMAN 2,586,789

WATER INJECTOR AND METHOD 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 Filed Feb. 17, 1948 INVENTOR.

N CLL/Z7 m an BY /4 TTOR /\/E Patented Feb. 26, 1952 UNITED PATE-NT OFFICE 1aY elaine.` (c1. 12a- 25) I the; act of Martin 3, 1883,' s

mended April so, 192s; 37o o.l G. '157) l The invention described herein, yif e may be manufactured and used byngr rerjtlie Government for governmental purposeskwithout the payment to me of any royalty VthereonA` n This invention relates to anfr apparatusand method for incorporating Water in :theA charges of an internal combustionu enginefto generally' improve the operation of engines of thisltype. a

It is a Well known fact that tlieproper anfiount of water incorporated in gasoline charges initier certain conditions of engine load `is highlydesirable in reducing or l elinfiii'iating detonation, economizing on gasoline consumption,` maintaining proper engine temperature, etc.V In manyvei the prior4 devices ofV thisA type` however, the injecti'on of the water is under thevcontrolgf the partial vacuum in the intake rnanifclildk sc that at least some water enters the charge during practically the entire period o f v engir'ie operar tion. In other prior devices the engine, pressure is employed to operate a valve orthellikewhich may permit water to enterlth'e fuel chargel but in such devices it is necessary to addutomthe mechanism a pumpy for projecting the water into the induction system, and'suchdevices are lacking in the step of atomiaingthe waterpas it enters the charge. Such prior methods are faulty for additional reasons includingLthe `eigcessive use of water, and, the'use of waterxat times whichY are `actuallyl detrimental to the eiliciency of operation o the engine. Y

It is an object of the present inventionwtherefore to provide a method of ncorporatingwater in the engine chargewhich becomes effective only at suchl times as the engine is operating under full throttle or nearly so. Y

Another object of the invention resides in the provision of a water injecting apparatusv adapted to be associated with the combustioncharnber of the engine. and operable to inject water into'the charge only in accordance with and by means of the pressures'in such chamber. A a a Other objects and advantages of the invention will be apparent from the'following description when considered in connection with' the accompanying drawings, in which, v

Figure 1 is a side elevational viewu of an internal combustion engine with one form of the improved water injector installed therein;`

Figure 2 is an enlarged elevationalA view of Figure 4 is an enlarged detail sectienal view of a eheckwvalve mounted in the pressure pipe Ofi-the aspirator; Y LMEfig'ure wis anelevational view, partly in sec` tion, of a modied form of water injector; a

nFigure 6 is a horizontalvsectional view taken Onfiheline 6 5 0f ,Figure 5; Y `LFigure 7 is anpelevational view, partly in section, of a still further modied form of the Water faulre. @is an elevational view. `0f a Carburetor and ,related parte Showing the injection pipe` 0f theasairaiorrfor the inietorshowii in. Figure, "I: Figure is a horiaontalsectional View taken 0n the.lii1e,9 -9of,Figur 7J and v ...Figure 1Q aen elevtllalm Partly in $93.9' tion, o; a still further modied form of a water imei-315013., i f: f.. a. y. .l Ineach ofthe several formsof theinvention a pipe Yis provided for conveying water Vto the indllCtiQIlN/Sem Qf. the @ngne .Qihe' beOle 01' after carpuretion. togetherwith meansassociaid with one 0f. the combils0g-9hambeis Qf. the enginefor, inietina the., .Water into the. erigir-e charge undercerta'in conditions, namely,` when the engine is under approximately a full throttle. 1n theiorrn of the invention shown in Fi'gures l-iinclusiva theuwater injector: is indicated as associated `with dan internal combustion engine providedwitliwa down-draft carburetor 2. ,Y In @scheine .theintake manifold is indicated by numerals. the exhaust` manifold by the numeral @Land thetank for the water supply is indicated bythenumeral 5'.. u A e `l M 'In,A Figure V2 the vrnirneral Hl.4 designates the upper v vallV of one of the combustion chambers ot'theengine, preferably the combustion chamber ofpthe lfth cylinderlv of alconvevntional 6 cylinder ,engine which. is Olidnarilyprovided with @compression test hole. Threadedinto this hole isjthemasing irl pf a check valve iZnwhich is adaptedl tornorrnally restupon a constriction I3u Within the casing. Threaded in the upper end of the' casing `Il `above thev seat i3 is a plug lI`4hwhich limits the upwardmovement of the., heck valvewdvhic'h' is Provided with f1 N ity' of external grooves i5 whicii'perrnit the esc Ape'oi` gasespast the plug when the valve i3 ilslunseated. Threaded onto theuupper end of the, casing Il' is a pressure pipe It` which is threadedly connected at its opposite end to .the preeuie valve casing l1 shwn in detail in Fig d urige 23. This casing Ais provided with a valve seatv If8f and a ball valve' i9' which is normally maintained upon4 its seat by means cfV spring Ztl' mounted iiithe'upper end of' the casing and an apertured plug 25 the aperture of which is in alignment with the aperture 22 but of somewhat less diameter, and it will be understood that by substituting for this vplug 26 plugs of different bore, the rate of flow of pressure fluid in the particular installation may be varied. Extending downwardly from the pipe 24 is a branch 21 to which a water pipe 28 is connected and the branch pipe 21 is provided with an adjusting screw 29 extending into the passage of the pipe so that the rate of flow of water therethrough may be regulated.

The end of the pipe 24 remote from the valve casing I1 is connected to the induction system by means of a pipe 36 connected thereto by means of a suitable coupling 3|.

In the operation of this form of the invention the valve I3 is raised by pressure generated in the combustion chamber of the #5 cylinder and pressure is thus allowed to escaped through the channels I5 in the plug I4 to the pipe I6 up to the pressure valve I9 in valve casing I1. As the intake valve of the particular cylinder opens a negative pressure is of course created in the combustion chamber and this, in addition to the force of gravity. causes the valve I2 to descend to its 3.-

seat I3. This action is of course repeated throughout the operation of the engine and pressure is thus built-up in the pressure pipe I6, but under ordinary operating conditions the pressure in pipe I6 is insufficient to raise the valve I9 against pressure of spring and it is only under maximum load or thereabouts that the pressure created in the combustion chamber and consequently in the pressure pipe I6 is suicient to `open the pressure valve I9. When the valve I9 is opened a pulsation of pressure uid passes through the aperture 22 and the plug 26 to the passage -25 of pipe 24 and through the pipe 39 into the induction system. In this'passage of the pressure fluid through the pipe 24 it operates as an aspirator or pump to draw water from the pipe I6 into the passage 25 and injects it into the induction system. In this operation, therefore, 'it will be noted that water is supplied to the engine charge only when the engine is operating under a heavy load as determined by the pressure of spring 2U upon the pressure valve I9 and that, therefore, the amount of water supplied to the engine charges is relatively small and is supplied only under the most favorable conditions, that is, when the engine is operating under a heavy load. Moreover, the amount of water supplied may be varied by adjusting the screw 21 in the aspirator pipe 24.

In the form of the invention shown in Figures 5 and 6 the wall of the combustion chamber is indicated by the numeral 40 and has connected thereto, as by means of pipe 4I, a diaphragm pump 42. Connected to the upper compartment of the diaphragm pump 42 is a pipe 43 provided with a lateral extension 44 in which is mounted a spring-pressed check valve 45 adapted to normally seat on the inner end of an apertured plug 46 threaded into the outer end of the pipe 44. Connected to this pipe 44 is a water supply pipe 41 which communicates with a source of supply such as the water tank 5 shown in Figure 1.

Mounted in the upper end of the pipe 43 is a ball check valve 48 cooperating with a seat 49 formed on the interior of the pipe. A threaded plug 50 is mounted in the upper end of the pipe 43 and is formed with grooves 5I to permit the passage of water past the plug when the valve 48 is unseated. Also` threaded onto the upper end of the pipe 43 but exteriorly thereof, is a coupling 52 by means of which a pipe 53 is connected with and communicates with the pipe 43. Adjacent the induction system of the engine the pipe 53 is provided with a coupling comprising the short length of pipe 54, and the coupling members 55 and 56. Within the pipe 54. which is provided with a valve seat 51. is a ball valve 58 which is normally pressed against its seat by means of a spring 59 mounted within the pipe 54 and having one end in engagement with the ball valve 58 and the opposite end in engagement with an apertured plug 6I) threaded into the end of the pipe. Plugs 60 having apertures of different diameter may be mounted in the pipe 54 so as to vary the amount of water which may be injected into the induction system of the engine.

In this form of the invention the amount of pressure in the combustion chamber necessary to cause an injection of water into the induction system may be varied by adjusting the position of the plug 60 so'as to vary the compression of the spring 59 against the valve 58.

As the engine operates, successive positive and negative pressures are applied to the undersurface of the diaphragm in the pump 42 thus causing the diaphragm to rise and fall and thereby apply positive and negative pressures within the pipe 43. This action within the pipe 43 alternately opens and closes the valve 45 thus permitting water to be drawn from the pipe 41 and forced past the check valve 48 to provide a supply of water under pressure in the pipe 53. Therefore, when pressures occur in the combustion chamber of an amount slightly in excess of that to which the pressure valve 58 is adjusted, a charge of water will be forced against this valve and caused to enter the induction system of the engine. As just mentioned, the amount of water entering the induction system when the engine is at full load may be varied by substituting a plug 60 having an aperture of different diameter from that shown.

' In the form of the invention shown in Figures 7-9 inclusive, many of the parts are identical with those shown in Figures 1-4 inclusive and since these parts are indicated by the reference numerals used in Figures 1-4 a description of these parts in detail is believed to be neither desirable nor necessary. The construction of this modified form of the invention diiers from that shown in Figures 1 6 inclusive in that the mechanical means for supplying pressure to the pressure pipe is somewhat diiferent and in the fact that the water is injected into the induction system before carburetion.

In Figure 1 the wall of the combustion chamber is indicated by the numeral 1D and communication therewith is provided by means of a pipe 1I threaded into the wall of the cylinder. Mounted on the upper end of the pipe 1I is a `cylinder 12 provided with a freely movable piston 13 and the upper wall of the cylinder communicates with a pipe 14 threaded thereto. This pipe is provided with a lateral extension 15 cor- A'responding with the extension 44 shown in Figure 5 and provided with a check valve such as shown in Figure 5 and generally indicated by the numeral 'i6 in this modification and open to the atmosphere by means of a pipe 1T. Connected to the upper end of the pipe 14 is check valve 14 as well as a pressure pipe it, to the opposite end of which are connected the pressure valve Il of Figure 2 as well as the aspirator 24 and related parts. Also connected to the pipe 24 is the water pipe 28 of Figure 2 'and the adjusting screw 29 for varying the area of the passageway 'and thus varying the rate 0f ow of water to the induction system. From the aspirator 24 a pipe 19 leads to the induction System just above the carburetor 8S as clearly shown in Figure 8.

The operation of this form of the invention is quite similar to that shown in Figure 1 except that instead of directly supplying ii-uid from the combustion chamber into the pressure pipe 'i8 air under pressure is supplied to this pipe by the action of the piston i3 which is caused to reciprocate within its cylinder 'l2 by reason of the positive and negative pressures created in the combustion chamber and in the pipe 'il communicating therewith. The reciprocation of the piston 'F3 will draw air into the pipe 'M through the check valve 'l5 and thence force it past the check valve 'm' into the pipe i8. When the pressure in this pipe becomes greater than that for which the pressure valve il is adjusted, that is, when the engine is under full load, the valve will open and pulsations of pressure will pass through the aspirator 2i thereby inducing water from the pipe 28 into the pipe 'ig and thence to the induction system.

The form of the invention shown in Figure l is closely related to that shown in Figure 7 except that in lieu of the cylinder and piston i2-'i3 of Figure '7 a diaphragm pump such as shown Figure 5 is employed. in this mcdined form the combustion chamber is indicated by the numeral 95 and the diaphragm pump by the numeral Si. A pipe 92 corresponding to pipes i3 and i4 respectively of Figures and '7 is connected to the upper Wall ci the diaphragm pump and is provided with a lateral extension Q3 to which is coupled an air inlet 535 provided with a check valve 94 such'as the valve 4t of Figure 5. To the upper end of pipe 92 is connected a pressure pipe 95 as by means of coupling 95 in which is a check valve similar to those shown in Figures 5 and 7. The assembly shown in the left of Figure l0 is identical with that'shovvn in Figures 3 and '7 and identical reference numerals are employed to indicate these parts, namely, the pressure valve l'i, the aspirator pipe 2li, regulating screw 29, pipe 3b leading to the induction system, and water pipe 28.

The operation of this modied form is substantially identical with the operation of the form shown in Figure 7. That is to say, as the diaphragm of the pump 9i pulsates it pumps air into the pressure pipe 95 but will not cause the aspirator 24 to operate until such time as the pressure created in the combustion chamber EG is sufficient to open the pressure valve El. When the press-urevalve 'i is opened the pressure passing therethrough and through the aspirator pipe 24 will cause water to be injected into the in duction system through the pipe 30.

Basically, all of the several species of the invention are identical in that the injection of water into the fuel system is based solely upon the pressure created in the combustion chamber 'lil of one of the cylinders of the engine, and du'e to this method of operation and the structure by which it is carried out, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the amount of water used is very substantially less than that required in water induction systems heretofore known, and that the operation of the engine is greatly improved due to the fact that water is admitted to the charge only at such times as are most advantageous to engine operation, that is, when the engine is under full load or nearly so.

The expression induction system of an in- -ternal combustion engine, as used in the claims,

.refers to the intake manifold and related parts exclusive of the engine cylinder with which the lpresent apparatus is associated.

In compliance with the patent statutes I have idescribed what I now consider to be the preferred forms of the invention but inasmuch as a variety of means may be employed within the limits of the invention, it is intended that all such variations be included within the scope of the appended claims.

I claim:

1. The method of injecting water into the fuel entering an internal combustion engine which comprises providing a supply of water, taking uid pressure from a combustion chamber of the engine, and using such pressure for injecting water into the fuel.

2. The method of injecting water into the fuel charges of an internal combustion engine under maximum load conditions only, which comprises providing a supply of water, and employing only maximum pressures in the eX- plosion chamber for injecting charges of water into the gasoline charges prior to entering the cylinders.

3. A water injector for internal c-Gmbustion engines comprising a water container, a pipe leading 'from the container to a point adjacent the induction system, a pressure pipe communieating with a combustion chamber of the engine and with the induction system, and a connection between the pressure pipe and Water pipe.

4. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a Water container, a pipe leading therefrom to a point adjacent the induction system, a pressure pipe communicating with a combustion chamber of the engine and with the induction system, and an aspirating connection between the two pipes.

5. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a water pipe leading from the container to the aspirator, a pressure pipe communicating with a combustion chamber of the engine and with the aspirator, and a pressure valve in the pressure pipe.

6. A Water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a water pipe leading from the container to the aspirator, and means for creating suction in the aspirator, said means including a pipe connected to the aspirator and exposed to pressures in a combustion chamber of the engine.

7. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a water pipe leading from the container to the aspirator, and means for activating the aspirator, said means including a pressure pipe in communication with the aspirator, and a fluid-pressure pump operatively connected to a combustion chamber of the engine and to the pressure pipe.

8. A Water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a water pipe leading from the container to the aspirator, and means for activating the aspirator, said means including a pressure pipe in communication with the aspirator, a pressure Valve in the pressure pipe, and a uidpressure pump operatively connected to a combustion chamber of the engine and to the pressure pipe.

9. A Water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a Water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a water pipe leading Afrom the container to the aspirator, and means for activating the aspirator, said means including a pressure pipe in communication with the aspirator, and a huid-pressure pump operatively connected to the pressure pipe and exposed to the positive and negative pressures of a combustion charnber of the engine.

10. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a Water container, an aspirator communicating with the induction system of the engine, a Water pipe leading from the container to the aspirator, and means for activating the aspirator, said means including a Dressure pipe in communication with the aspirator, and a fluid-pressure pump comprising a cylinder and piston exposed to the pressures in a combustion chamber of the engine and connected to the pressure pipe.

11. The method of injecting liquid into the induction system of an internal combustion engine which comprises providing a supply of Water and pumping portions thereof into the induction system in accordance with pressures developed in a combustion chamber of the engine.

12. The method of injecting liquid into the induction system of an internal combustion engine which comprises providing a supply of water and pumping portions thereof into the induction system through the medium of pressures de- Veloped in a combustion chamber of the engine.

13. VA water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, a pipe leading from the container to the induction system, and a pump connected with the pipe and a combustion chamber of the engine.

14. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, a pipe leading therefrom to the induction system of the engine, a pressure operated pump connected with the pipe, said pump connected with a combustion chamber of the engine to expose it to pressure uids developed in the chamber.

15. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a Water container, a piping system leading from the container to the induction system, check Valves and pressure-operated valves in said system, and a pressure-operated pump operatively connected with the combustion chamber of a cylinder and with said piping system.

16. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a Water container, a piping system leading from the container to the induction system, check Valves and pressure-operated Valves in said system, and a diaphragm pump having one side exposed to pressures withing a cylinder of the engine and the other side to the interior of the piping system.

17. A water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, a piping system leading from the container to the induction system, and a pressure-operated pump operatively connected with the combustion chamber of a cylinder and with said piping system.

18. A Water injector for internal combustion engines comprising a water container, a piping system leading from the container to the induction system, an adjustable pressure operated valve in said system, and a pressure-operated pump operatively connected with the combustion chamber of a cylinder and with said piping system.

WALTON W. CUSHMAN.

REFERENCES CITED The following references are of record in the file of this patent:

UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date '795,422 Thomson July 25, 1905 1,528,665 Fischer Mar. 3, 1925 1,530,464 Leedom Mar. 17, 1925 2,073,887 Strancke Mar. 16, 1937 FOREIGN PATENTS Number Country Date 259,127 Germany Apr. 15, 1915 

